Taunton School Committee, TMLP candidates take part in TCAM forum

TAUNTON — Nine incumbents and four challengers for the Taunton School Committee and TMLP Commission got a chance to shine in front of the cameras Thursday night.

The 10 School Committee candidates, including three challengers, and two Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant incumbents and a single challenger fielded a series of questions during a candidates forum in the main studio of Taunton Community Access and Media on Ingell Street.

One incumbent, TMLP Commissioner Peter Corr — who this year decided not to run for re-election to the School Committee — was unable to attend due to “a health issue,” according to moderator Bob Jacobs.

The majority of candidates were able to cite their longevity of continuous service, with School Committee member Josephine Almeida noting her nearly three decades of public service.

On the TMLP side, Mark Blackwell Sr. cited his nearly 38 years working for TMLP and eight years on the commission for the city-owned electric company.

Former Taunton Police Chief David Westcoat, who served as a TMLP commissioner from 2006 to 2010, provided a flash of humor when asked why he was running again.

“I know that I know it, and all I want is to be in charge,” Westcoat, 82, said.

Joseph Martin — a former assistant superintendent for Taunton Public Schools and math teacher for 38 years at Bridgewater State University who is running for re-election both to the TMLP and School Committee — said he still has the energy and desire to tackle both positions.

School Committee challenger and mother of five Elizabeth Sisskind said she looks forward to her goal of being elected and joining a group consisting of “a wonderful collection of people.” She said she supports charter schools.

"I believe in school choice," she said.

School Committee challenger and former 10-year City Councilor Daniel Barbour made an unsuccessful bid for a School Committee seat in 2015.

Barbour, in his closing statement, said if elected this time around, he would provide “a true voice for your child” and serve as an advocate for ensuring a high standard of education.

Gregory DeMelo, who also ran for School Committee two years ago but was not elected, said his 10 years working at Bridgewater State University, where he now is director of travel services, will serve him well as a School Committee member.

Incumbent Cathal O’Brien said despite security measures in Taunton High and Parker Middle schools being adequate, they nonetheless always need to be scrutinized and fine-tuned.

O’Brien referred to a recent incident in the high school where two students and a teenage non-student were arrested, and a knife and set of brass knuckles were confiscated.

He said training among school staff and encouraging students to share information are key to ensuring that a potentially dangerous situation is thwarted.

Incumbent David Souza was asked whether students should be required to stand for and recite the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom.

“They should be taught that,” said Souza, who then added that a school rule should be established to require such adherence.

During a follow-up question about immigrant students coming from other countries, Souza, however, said: “It’s unrealistic to think anyone can be forced to stand for the flag.”

Incumbent Carol Doherty said she remains strongly opposed to charter schools, which she said syphon funding dollars from pubic schools.

Fellow incumbent Christine Fagan, while acknowledging that per-student spending on Taunton public school students remains alarmingly low, credited Superintendent Julie Hackett for her resourcefulness in pursuing and utilizing various funding sources.

Veteran School Committee member Jordan Fiore called the Hackett administration “magical” in its ability to make do with less.

Fiore — a lawyer who at one time was Taunton’s assistant city solicitor — is also running for re-election to the city’s planning board.

“I have an open mind, and I have the highest level of education of anyone on this stage,” he said during his closing statement.

In addition to Jacobs, other people on the panel asking questions included Taunton Daily Gazette city editor Rebecca Hyman and WVBF AM radio talk show host Robert Folcik.